Category Archives: NTO (National Tourist Offices)

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is partnering for the first time with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, to launch the 2025 edition of its Tourism Youth Summer Camp. The Academy is managed under the stewardship of Les Roches, a globally acclaimed hospitality and leisure higher education institution, with the objective of providing hospitality skills and academic knowledge to nurture homegrown talent in the UAE and the region. The two-week immersive programme for Emirati students aged 17 to 21 will run from 14-24 July 2025, nurturing the next generation of Emirati leaders in tourism and hospitality through hands-on training and cultural engagement. The partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches brings an elevated level of academic and practical expertise to the programme while integrating elements that celebrate Emirati culture and heritage. The camp combines global hospitality standards with local traditions to foster a new cohort of Abu Dhabi-grounded, globally minded professionals. H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our Tourism Youth Summer Camp continues to grow in impact as we partner with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches to empower the next generation of Emirati tourism and hospitality leaders. By combining world-class expertise with a foundation of Emirati hospitality, rooted in a spirit of welcoming and warmth, we are preparing young talent to lead confidently in the global tourism landscape. Strengthening the tourism and hospitality sectors is key to Abu Dhabi’s future growth, and as we support and inspire our Emirati youth to enter into this industry, they will be a key part of our mission to both progress the emirate and share …

Seychelles Tourism, in partnership with TravTalk Middle East, hosted an exclusive power breakfast in Dubai, bringing together leading figures from the UAE’s travel trade sector. The event served as a strategic platform to strengthen ties with the region’s key industry stakeholders. Ahmed Fathallah, Regional Manager for Tourism Seychelles, revealed strong performance figures, stating that “the GCC region has recorded an increase of 16% in visitor numbers during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.”  The informal gathering allowed for open dialogue, networking, and alignment on future collaboration between Seychelles and GCC travel partners.

Jordan rolls out the red carpet this year to an eclectic lineup of activities that will delight visitors and residents alike. Revel in the rhythm of memserising concerts by world-renowned artists. Celebrate the richness of culture and have unlimited fun with family. Transcending the realm of music, poetry and art, Jordan is bringing a never-before-seen lineup of artists and cultural programmes that are not just designed to inspire hearts and minds. There is an extraordinary breadth of events, including the Jordan International Food Festival and the Amman International Film Festival, which will bring a horde of celebrities to the city. No celebration of Jordanian culture would be complete without honoring the kingdom’s extraordinary culinary heritage. The Jordan International Food Festival, from 6 to 11 August brings together the finest flavors of the Levant and beyond. And with such a delectable range of food comes soulful melodies by Ahmed Saad (on 7 Aug ), who blends modern pop with traditional Arabic music and evokes the pangs of love, heartbreaks and separations through his renditions. “The extraordinary lineup is an open invitation to experience Jordan’s soul. In venues where our rich history lives and breathes, under skies that have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, contemporary artists will find their perfect stage. This underlines our commitment to providing seamless and rich cultural experiences for all visitors in 2025,” said Dr. Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board. “The country’s diverse attractions and easy access ensure that whether visitors come for leisure, business or cultural exploration, they will discover our kingdom’s extraordinary hospitality and vibrant cutlural experiences.” Headline acts include musical performances by Sami Yusuf – performing for the first …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has successfully concluded the “Future Investment Pioneers” program, a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping a select group of Omani students with the skills and knowledge needed to understand investment dynamics in the tourism sector. The 12-week program brought together 16 students from six leading academic institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, and offered them a rich learning experience through interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and hands-on activities. By nurturing their entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking, the program supports the broader vision of building a national talent pool capable of shaping the future of Oman’s tourism industry. Participants developed practical skills in product development, entrepreneurial thinking, and professional communication, while also exploring key topics such as investment analyzing and attraction, mechanisms of entering strategic partnerships, tourism product innovation, and return on investment analysis from an investor’s perspective. Commenting on the program, Mundher Al Moosawi, Director of Business Development at OMRAN Group, said: “This program reflects our commitment to nurturing future tourism leaders by offering a comprehensive experience that blends practical learning with investment thinking. We strive to inspire and empower youth to actively contribute to the sector’s sustainable growth and position Oman as a promising investment destination.” The program concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion that brought together experts from tourism, investment, and academia to explore opportunities for innovation in the sector, the importance of aligning education with market needs, and the critical role of young investors in shaping Oman’s economic future. As part of the closing ceremony, the winners of the program’s accompanying competitions were honored in recognition of student projects that stood out for their spirit of innovation and healthy competition. The winning participants received …

The Ministry of Tourism has released its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key indicators of tourism activity and underlining the sector’s continued growth following the significant progress recorded in 2023. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, stated that the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved with the guidance and support of the Kingdom’s leadership. His Excellency added that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report showcasing the sector’s accelerated growth driven by the efforts of the Ministry and all stakeholders of Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem. According to the report, the Kingdom welcomed around 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, a 6% increase compared with 2023. Total tourism spending—for domestic and inbound tourism—reached approximately SAR 284 billion, reflecting 11% growth year-on-year. The Ministry noted that Saudi Arabia achieved its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, receiving about 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, marking an 8% rise versus 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SAR 168.5 billion, up 19% from 2023. Domestic tourism also experienced solid growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a 5% increase compared with 2023. Moreover, domestic tourism spending reached SAR 115.3 billion in 2024.

Once known primarily for its high-tech industries and historical landmarks, South Korea has reinvented itself on the global stage—this time, through the unstoppable wave of K-pop. Over the past decade, Korean pop culture has exploded beyond borders, turning artists like BTS and BLACKPINK into household names and making Korea a cultural epicenter. This musical movement has not only topped charts and filled arenas but also ignited global curiosity about the country itself. Dubai was one of the first destinations to embrace the K-pop craze, frequently hosting sold-out performances by Korean artists. These concerts became cultural bridges, prompting fans to seek deeper connections with Korea beyond the stage. As a result, outbound travel to South Korea has surged, appealing to a wide demographic across age groups. Today, travellers are drawn by more than just music—they’re exploring Korea’s scenic landscapes, rich traditions, world-class cuisine, and warm hospitality. The rise of K-pop is more than a musical revolution; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has sparked global interest in South Korea’s lifestyle, fashion, food, and, most notably, tourism. Dubai, always quick to spot global trends, was one of the earliest hubs in the Middle East to welcome Korean artists. These concerts created waves of excitement among fans, many of whom later became eager travellers, seeking to walk the streets of Seoul, visit iconic music video locations, or sample dishes their favorite idols rave about online. The Korea Tourism Organization has capitalized on this momentum, promoting the nation’s diverse offerings to a global audience. From the bustling streets of Myeongdong and the historic charm of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the serene nature of Jeju Island and the ski slopes of Gangwon-do, Korea caters to a wide range …

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4TN to Egypt’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all-time high with a forecast annual growth of 4.9% and increase in the sector’s share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt’s continued economic development. 2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9BN, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9BN, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2BN, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6BN, maintaining the country’s strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel. In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country’s growth. “With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government’s focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off.” WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector. By 2035, …

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)  announced that the Aseer Region Development Authority (ASDA) has officially joined the Association as its newest member. “We are delighted to welcome the Aseer Region Development Authority to the PATA family. Aseer is a powerful example of how destinations can embrace tourism not only as an economic driver but also as a catalyst for cultural celebration, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its tourism offerings, Aseer’s distinctive identity — rooted in heritage, nature, and innovation — offers meaningful inspiration to our global network. We look forward to learning from and working with ASDA as we collectively shape a more responsible and resilient future for travel.” Known for its cool mountain climate, rich cultural heritage, and spectacular natural landscapes, Aseer is rapidly emerging as one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinctive tourism destinations. ASDA’s decision to join PATA highlights the region’s growing visibility on the global tourism map and reflects a shared commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable visitor economy aligned with PATA’s vision. Eng. Hashem Al Dabbagh, CEO, Aseer Region Development authority, said, “Joining PATA represents a significant milestone in our journey to establish Aseer as a world-class sustainable tourism destination – renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. We look forward to collaborating with PATA to elevate Aseer’s profile on the global tourism stage and to showcase the region’s exceptional visitor experiences.” Saudi Arabia is a key region for the Association, and PATA is already collaborating with the Saudi Tourism Authority to support the Kingdom’s tourism goals. ASDA’s addition marks another important step in PATA’s growing engagement across Saudi …

Visit Qatar launches ‘Scoop on the Sea’ event as a new summer experience on the shore of West North Bay to attract visitors. This summer event held daily on the shore of West North Bay from 18 June to 13 August 2025. Based on a concept inspired by the world of ice cream, the event offers a variety of activities suitable for the whole family, including interactive competitions and live sports and entertainment shows. The event includes a busy programme, where the water festival includes kitesurfing and boarding shows, a rowing fashion festival, as well asunique activities such asFoam Family Party , and a virtual reality experience to simulate Formula 1 cars, where visitors can enter a cockpit that simulates Formula 1 racing with virtual reality technology. The ecosports competition allows participants to compete on stationary bikes designed to convert kinetic energy into usable energy. Theair show also includes a series of smoke and flags shows. Daily entertainment programs includecarnival games, air jumping park, photo corner and open sports sessions.Interactive activities include pedestrian shows on long sticks, children’s shows, mime shows, musical performances, family challenge track, sand castle building competitions, trips to Safliya Island, bodyweight movement competitions, volleyball and basketball tournaments. Visitors will also have a variety of food and beverage options available throughout the event. The event will be held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays, and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends (Friday and Saturday). The entrance fee is QAR 35 for adults on weekdays and QAR 50 on weekends, with free entry for children under 12 years old and seniors over 60 years old. Tickets can also be purchased through the event website.

Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Discover Qatar announced the return of Whale Shark tours for the 2025 season. The tours offer residents and visitors a rare opportunity to witness one of Qatar’s most unique natural experiences. Qatar’s northern waters host one of the world’s largest aggregations of whale sharks. The Whale Shark Tours aim to promote ecotourism by allowing guests to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, while ensuring minimal disturbance to the marine environment. The tours also provide educational insights into whale shark behaviour and Qatar’s conservation efforts to protect these endangered animals. The return of the Whale Shark Tours has been made possible through close coordination with key entities from both the private and public sectors, including Qatar Energy, the Ministry of Municipality, Mawani Qatar, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar Airways, and the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security. These partnerships strengthen the tour’s operational framework and contribute significantly to enhancing the service delivery and overall visitor experience. Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Chief of Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said: “We are proud to welcome the return of the Whale Shark Tours, one of Qatar’s most distinctive ecotourism experiences. This initiative highlights our dedication to sustainable tourism and showcases the richness of Qatar’s marine biodiversity. Our preparations for the upcoming Whale Shark Tours have been greatly strengthened by the valuable contributions of our government and semi-government partners, whose collaboration reflects a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional and environmentally responsible visitor experience.” Operated by Discover Qatar, the tours promise a unique adventure aboard a premium catamaran, led by expert marine guides. Guests will enjoy a truly immersive and informative journey, learning about …